News of note about your friends and neighbors in the Treasure Valley

Two Boise State University faculty members recently were honored at a reception held at the BSU Alumni Center.

Jill Fitterer, assistant professor in the Department of Art, received the fifth annual Faculty Partner Award. The award recognizes faculty members who serve as strong positive role models, showing their commitment to shared values while providing support and service to students beyond classroom teaching or research responsibilities.

Fitterer has directed the printmaking program at Boise State University since 2005.

She has exhibited her work in solo and group exhibitions in Italy, South Korea, India and throughout the United States.

She also advises the student club Red Circle Press, which received the university's Most Outstanding Special Interest Club distinction in 2007.

Helen Lojek, coordinator of new faculty services in the Provost's Office, was recognized with the Vice President for Student Affairs Recognition Award for exemplary service for students.

Lojek is an emeritus professor in the Department of English and was associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Lojek came to Boise State in the mid-1970s as an adjunct professor. Her record of teaching, research and service has earned her many honors and awards, including a term as a Fulbright Scholar studying in Finland. She has team taught with faculty from the departments of history, economics, biology and theater arts.

Dr. John Mundt of Boise is one of six individuals nationwide to received the National Association of Agricultural Educators Lifetime Achievement Award, presented Nov. 20 at the NAAE convention in Nashville, Tenn.

With more than 40 years in agricultural education, Mundt was recognized for making a difference as a high school agriculture teacher, state supervisor and teacher educator. In the 13 years Mundt taught at Meridian High School, enrollment in the agricultural education program rose by 100 percent.

Mundt has been involved with many professional organizations, including the National Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association and the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education. He also received the NVATA Outstanding Young Member Award and was voted as "most inspirational teacher" in Idaho by his peers.

After retiring in 2003, Mundt received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Agriculture, as well as the Alumni Distinguished Service Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Idaho.

Stephanie Eddy: 377-6481seddy@idahostatesman.comTo submit items for Notable Neighbors, e-mail newsroom@idahostatesman.com, fax items to Notable Neighbors at 377-6449, or mail them to Notable Neighbors, c/o Newsroom, Idaho Statesman, P.O. Box 40, Boise, ID 83707. All submissions become the property of the Statesman.